April 13, 2014

With Holy Spirit Fire....Obey God....Don't Stop

Acts 4: 1 - 22

Luke

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the leading priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees came over to them.  They were very disturbed that Peter and John were claming, on the authority of Jesus, that there is a resurrection of the dead.  They arrested them and, since it was already evening, jailed them until morning.  But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so that the number of believers totaled about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem.  Anna the high priest was there, along with Caiphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest.  They brought in the two disciples and demanded, "By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?"

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, "Leaders and elders of our nation, we are being questioned because we've done a good deed for a crippled man?  Do you want to know how he was healed?  Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.  For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'  There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training.  They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.  But since the man who had been healed was standing right there among them, the council had nothing to say.  So they sent Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.

"What should we do with these men?" they asked each other.  "We can't deny they have done a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it.  But perhaps we can stop them from spreading their propaganda.  We'll warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."  So they called the apostles back in and told them never again to speak or teach about Jesus.

But Peter and John replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?  We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard."

The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a riot.  For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign - the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.     

***

Thoughts....

Do you recall that on the day of Pentecost 'those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church - about three thousand in all'?  And that 'they joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer'?   Acts 2:41-42  THIS day, the people to whom Peter and John were speaking the message to believed it, so that the number of believers totaled about five thousand men, not counting women and children.  This message....that Jesus IS the Messiah, the one true Lord, that he forgives, heals, and gives life everlasting is spreading like wild fire....BY Holy Spirit fire.  Recall also, that before the day of Pentecost, MANY chose Jesus as Lord, joined the newly founded church, and followed him.  By this day in documented history in Acts, the members of the church now exceeded a few thousand and was most probably in the tens of thousands.  No small feat for the men, but easily reached through and with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  How many Christians total earths population now?  Hmmmmm.

'While Peter and John [don't forget John's part in all of this] were speaking to the people, the leading priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees came over to them.  The were very disturbed that Peter and John were claiming, on the authority of Jesus that there is resurrection of the dead.'  Why would that be?  Why would they be concerned if it wasn't about them?  Because anyone who isn't FOR Jesus is WITH Satan.  And Satan cannot stand for people to have life, joy, happiness, abundance.....or life everlasting.  So anyone not working FOR Jesus is working AGAINST Jesus.  So if people are bothered that you are talking about God ANY TIME, and they tell you to stop talking about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, you can easily see whom they choose to follow....even if they go to church, or go to a temple. 

Peter and John were arrested, and since it was already evening, they were jailed until morning.  Have you been arrested, verbally or physically, for preaching, or sharing, or talking about the risen Savior, and that there is resurrection for the dead?  An arrest may not have to mean physical legal arrest, as in bound and jailed.  It can mean a verbal arrest, as in an employer telling you that you cannot speak about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  An emotional arrest, if you will, going through things that are not of God.  

Continuing on, 'The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem.  Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest.  They brought in the two disciples and demanded, "By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?"  Interesting to note, if you are ever called into a meeting by employers, you may not be asked, by demand, this question, "By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?"  But they will demand you cease....mentioning the Lord's name, talking about him, praying for others, encouraging others in their faith walk.  Did you know that the contraction 'Good bye' means 'God be with you'? 

Continuing from verse 8, 'Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Leaders and elders of our nation, are we being questioned because we've done a good deed for a crippled man?  [I've had this employment experience!]  Do you want to know how he was healed?  Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.' 

When I pray for someone, I do not always know the actual outcome.  Healing is not always immediately manifested.  But I BELIEVE for the outcome.  And because I believe IN whom I call on for healing, I expect some form of healing to occur.  But I do not even have to expect.  I can know....and so can you.  Just by believing in God, Jesus, who is the author of life....everlasting, and Holy Spirit, I KNOW that what I ask for in Jesus' name, as I pray to God, by and with the power of the Holy Spirit, will be manifested....occur....happen.  Recall last weeks lesson.

Peter goes on saying, "For Jesus is the one [Say THE ONE] referred to in the Scriptures where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'  There is salvation in on one else!  [Note the exclamation point!]  There is no other [Say NO OTHER] name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."  If you are in a difficult situation, Jesus CAN save you!  If you want eternal life, Jesus CAN save you!  He WANTS to!  He DIED for you, so you could have the opportunity to receive eternal life!  What are you doing to show him you are obeying him and are worthy?  What are you doing for him in thanksgiving for all he has done for you?  What are you doing for God, for Holy Spirit in thanksgiving?

Reading further from what Luke noted, 'The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness [Say BOLDNESS] of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training.'  LOOK!  YOU, and I, can preach the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit!  Are you preaching yet?  If not, why not? 

Luke continues telling the story, 'But since the man who had been healed was standing right there among them, the council had nothing to say.  [I wish that had been so for my employment situation.  For I, too, have been healed, and so I preach, pray, share, upift, listen....and get called on the carpet for it....there was a lot said by the 'council'.]  So they sent Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.'  [Uh huh.]

"What should we do with these men?" they asked each other.  "We can't deny they have done a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it.  But perhaps we can stop them from spreading their propaganda.  We'll warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."  So they called the apostles back in and told them never again to speak or teach about Jesus.'  [Uh huh.  Me, too.]

But Peter and John replied, Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?  We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard."  [I was not as bold.  I see I need to be, though, from todays lesson.  Pray for me, family of God.]

In America, as in the United States of America, there are federally drawn documents that state that we all....ALL....have certain unalienable rights....no matter to whom something is said/spoken, what is said/spoken, when anything is said/spoken, where it is said/spoken, how often it is said/spoken or broached, we have the right, through Freedom of Speech and Religious Freedom [be sure to read closely and get legal clarification, if necessary, to understand] to talk about/speak....about God and the things of God.  No one is sanctioned for the religions of sex, drugs, abuse, alcohol, violence, or anything else of Satan.  So why for God?  Hmmmmm.  Rise up, America!  We've a point to make here in the name of God.  Who is THE God, THE Savior, THE Holy Spirit?  Who created all of us?  God.  Who died to save us?  Jesus.  Who walks with us to guide us in life to everlasting life?  Holy Spirit.  Who are we under....as one nation.....God!  So why are we [Say WE] as Christians, letting Satan have reign?  In any country, on any land mass, in every city, county, town, or JOB, SPEAK for/about, share/teach/preach, listen to the Trinity....God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. 

In America, we not only have a God given right, we have a legal right.  Plus, any ruling or legal document drafted by a company that includes any phrasing stating that you may not talk religion, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, or anything pertaining to such, after an employment confrontation, or to include a letter thereof, cannot apply to you because, by law, as an employee, your affiliation having occurred prior to such ruling or document, takes precedence, stands, and is grand-fathered into first position, therefore, what you say or do in the name of God cannot be held against you in any legal realm, corporate or otherwise.  Federal laws fully protect you no matter what.  Do I hear an amen?!  Plus, because religion can be defined by anyone subscribing to a set or subset of rules by which people live and have their being, no one can talk about sex, drugs, abuse, alcohol, violence or anything else of Satan, then, either.  The world would go silent.  Very silent.  

But Peter and John replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?  We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard."  Do I hear another Amen?!!!!!!!   

Luke continues telling the story [as do I....and hopefully you will, too], 'The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a riot.  For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign - the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.'

Ladies and gentlemen, you may be threatened for proclaiming Christ and resurrection of the dead....even in an employment situation.  You may be accused or sanctioned.  People who are not practicing God's ways may retaliate against you, even if they claim they are one of his.  You may be called names, attacked, verbally abused, emotionally abused, and more.  But press on, obeying God with Holy Spirit's fire...don't stop.  For though you may answer to employers about your every day employment situation, you answer to God for your LIFE.  And the Federal government protects you and your job....legally, if you choose to honor God and obey God by acting for and in his name. 

Too long, we, as Christians, have sat by the sidelines listening to the things of this world and from those who belong to Satan, humbly staying silent, lest we create chaos.  But WE are not the ones creating chaos in the world.  Satan came to steal, kill and destroy.  He must not win.  Victory IS the Lord's, but he needs our help.  We are ALL called to 'go forth' for him and in his name to proclaim, in whatever way we can, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To not, is to not obey God.  To not, means we will NOT see heaven....we will NOT receive eternal life.  Do not believe those who say you can never lose your salvation.  Just saying you accept Jesus means nothing.  Praying to him and doing nothing else, is not enough.  He needs proof, and he gets that by how you choose to live your life for and with him, obeying him, Father God and Holy Spirit, by praising them, and going forth.  Is anyone perfect?  No.  But we must....all of us....press on.  

You MUST choose this day whom you will serve.  Who will you belong to when the last trumpet sounds?  Where will you reside....IN HEAVEN or in hell? 

Like the apostles, who spoke in boldness....with Holy Spirit fire....obey God....don't stop!  

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 Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I pray mighty nations of believers will rise up against Satan and those in the world who seek to repress, oppress, depress, suppress you and the people who are yours.  May we all come together as one voice praising you and worshiping you, as we go forth in your name proclaiming Jesus IS Lord.  As we prepare to honor you in worship and praise on the anniversary of your resurrection from the grave, may we all usher you anew into our hearts, as you were ushered in with palms and praise.  I just praise you and thank you mightily for all you have done in my life and my family's, and for what you are about to do for all of us.  I am so grateful.  Thank you so very much.  And I thank you and praise you for doing the same for all those who may come to know you through me and others, and who are going forth in your name.  Amen.

Dear God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the world so needs you.  Only through you, Jesus, can anyone receive forgiveness of sins, enter heaven and have eternal life.  There is NO other way.  My prayer today is that all who read this, and all Scripture, will accept who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are, and, believe in a way they have never believed before....with the whole of their heart, their mind, their body, their spirit, and their soul.  That they will believe in you, and believing, accept, and accepting, be willing to receive all you have to give them, listen to you, obey you, praise you and thank you, and then, go forth sharing with all who you are and what you have to offer.  God, I pray this for all in the world.  In Jesus' name, by and with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and would like to do so, and you would like to be forgiven of your sins, pray the following, or any prayer from your heart:

God, I believe you created the universe....and me.  Please forgive me of my sins, especially of unbelief in you, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  I believe in you now.  I believe that you, Jesus, lived and died for me, so that I would have the opportunity to receive eternal life, and, that you lived again on earth and now live in heaven eternally.  Holy Spirit, I believe in you, that you were sent to help me know how to live my new life, and help me understand the importance of obeying you, God, and Jesus, so that I can receive eternal life and live in heaven.  I want to receive all the gifts and fruits you want to give me, Holy Spirit.  I want to make Jesus the Lord of my life.  I come to you now, Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit in humble prayer, with thanksgiving for everything you have done for me and will do for me....and for others through me, as I BOLDLY go forth in your name.  Please heal me and make me whole.  Show me your way, your truth, your Light.  Thank you.  I'm learning to love you more and more.  Amen.      

I pray everyone will now make you, Jesus, LORD of their lives.  Amen.

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Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

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Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

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It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you ! 

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!

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